Thing #7 - Techno Blog - Early, Early Literacy?

In library circles, we have, of course, been pushing the value of building early literacy skills right from birth. However, I read an article in today's Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/28/AR2009092802893.html) Style section in which describes several devices which are now being touted as ways to give babies a head start in learning -- in utero. Those who swear by them say they've help their babies avoid now common conditions like ADHD and autism as well as put them ahead at some pediatric developmental milestones. Those on the other side say the results of using devices like BabyPlus and Ritmo, which send rhythmic patterns, music, and/or speech into the womb, are unproven and that in using them could even be harmful. Nothing has been proven either way at this point. Will this be the next big thing in learning? Will we someday be leading mommy-to-be storytimes and piping in our music and voices through these or similar devices? Stay tuned!

Thing #6: Fun with Flickr Mashups

Just what I've always wanted.... my own action figure trading card. lol Nancy Pearl, eat your heart out. Want your own? Visit http://bighugelabs.com/deck.php to make one. Check out the other mashup options at bighugelabs as well. It's amazing that there are so many uses for a single photo... change it to a painting, make a jigsaw puzzle out of, and more.

Paradise: Great Lakes Style

A beautiful snapshot by Flickr user cncphotos of one my favorite places in the world, Saugatuck, MI. This beautiful destination on Lake Michigan is home to many artists, shops, great food, boating, great sunsets, and lots of sun and fun.

Week 1, Thing 2

Ah, lifelong learning. Of the 7 1/2 habits, I think habits 3 & 7 might be hardest for me. It seems like whenever problems come up, they need to be handled right away so it's too easy to go right into crisis mode with thinking about what you can learn from it. As for mentoring, it's part of what I do in my job but since people skills were never my strong suit, it doesn't come easily to me. As for what habit is the easiest for me? Well, number 6: use technology to your advantage. (I'm here, aren't I? :) ) It's so great to be able to instantly chat or send pictures ot a loved one or find a digital copy of that owner's manual I lost long ago and now need.

Week 1, Thing 1

Well, here I am in the blogoverse, kicking off my 23 Things!